Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We are asserting that fact and we have made our position very clear. Since the day after I was appointed as Taoiseach by this House, I have resisted a great deal of pressure in the context of changes to the corporate tax rate. That rate will not change and will remain at 12.5% - 11.9% effective - across the spectrum. That certainty and decisiveness and the position I have adopted have been responsible, in part, for the restoration of the reputation of the country. There is not any confusion about this matter, neither is there a lack of clarity in respect of it. People are absolutely clear on what is our corporate tax rate and it will not be moving either way.

My position on the CCCTB has not changed. The fact that it is the right of the Commission to initiate legislation and promote proposals for such legislation does not mean that by participating in discussions on these one must change one's position in respect of them. Far from this matter being on the back burner, when the relevant discussions are held in the future we will participate in them. The issue of corporate tax levels was not discussed at the European Council meeting. The fiscal treaty has no bearing on that matter. We are very clear on that point. This is an issue upon which Ireland has not equivocated in any way. We have been very clear and decisive. The announcements made by a number of foreign investors in the country give credence to that. The latter are very clear with regard to what is on offer when they come here.

I reiterate that when I visited the Deputy's city in recent days, it was made perfectly clear to me that there are 800 vacancies in the Cork region for IT personnel. We must identify where the changes are occurring and consider how we can take steps, on behalf of our young population, to ensure we can meet the demand which exists. Prime Minister Cameron and I were extremely clear with each other in respect of the financial transaction tax. I can testify that equally strong views - which would align with my own - were expressed by other leaders present at the European Council meeting.

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